Chapter 38 - It Seems That JK Idol-san is Interested in the Fireworks Festival (part 5)
As we enjoyed the remnants of the fireworks, Sakurazaki and I walked home together.
We held hands so as not to get lost in the crowd.
"Himahara-kun, we'll only be able to meet again after school starts... But we'll still talk on the phone as usual!"
"Yeah. But don't push yourself when you're tired."
"No, when I'm tired, I actually want to hear your voice, Himahara-kun..."
Could it be... Does my voice have a healing effect?
"Himahara-kun."
"Hm? What is it?"
"Uh, it's nothing."
"Really?"
"Yes..."
Maybe she's feeling sad about having to part ways?
But, well, sometimes there's nothing we can do.
Without realizing it, we had arrived in front of the train station. We passed through the gates and headed to the platform.
Unbeknownst to me, Sakurazaki's grip on my hand grew stronger. Even when I tried to let go, Sakurazaki continued to hold my hand. It was like a signal.
"Hey, I'll escort you home since it's dark."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, so don't worry."
I boarded the same train as Sakurazaki. In the crowded train door, I stood between Sakurazaki and other passengers while holding onto the handrail.
As I looked at the scenery outside the window, I occasionally glanced at Sakurazaki. She seemed like she wanted to say something, but a smile was etched on her face.
Sometimes, Sakurazaki would touch the hair clip I had given her and smile. I felt a little embarrassed when she looked so happy.
After several stations, including a major one, the number of passengers drastically decreased. And finally, Sakurazaki opened her mouth.
"Himahara-kun, I'll get off at the next station."
"Ah, I understand."
By the way, I hadn't asked where Sakurazaki's house was located.
After that, I accompanied Sakurazaki to her house with her guidance. Sakurazaki's house turned out to be an old-style mansion, quite surprising. It was quite the opposite of what I had imagined.
"Himahara-kun, thank you for escorting me."
"It's no problem. I'll head home now."
"Yeah..."
Sakurazaki's smile was gentle, but it also seemed lonely. I turned around and started walking towards the station. We would only meet again after the summer vacation. Maybe it was difficult for Sakurazaki.
"Wait a moment, Himahara-san."
Suddenly, a voice I didn't recognize called out to me from behind. I turned around, and beside Sakurazaki was a woman dressed in a kimono.
"Himahara-san, can you wait a moment?"
"Eh..."
I was confused but returned to Sakurazaki's side.
"Himahara-kun, this is my mother."
"You've always taken care of Nako so well. I'm Nako's mother, Sakurazaki Mitsu. Nice to meet you."
"N-no! It's actually me who has always been taken care of by Nako-san..."
"What do you mean by that, Himahara-kun!"
"I, uh... I'm sorry!"
"Ugh... What kind of reaction is that?"
I bowed to Sakurazaki's mother while still casually talking to Sakurazaki.
Yes, Sakurazaki's parents were a little strict. Maybe she was angry?
"I apologize for making your daughter late..."
"It's not a problem for me. In fact, it should have taken longer."
"Mom!"
"I gave her advice, but it seems she didn't listen to me."
"Eh? What do you mean, Sakurazaki?"
"Never mind! Goodnight, Himahara-kun!"
"Y-yeah..."
Sakurazaki entered the house with a flushed face. What on earth happened?
After that, I was alone with Sakurazaki's mother. What was happening...
"Himahara-san, I'm sorry, but I want to talk to you for a moment. Can you listen to me?"
"Eh, y-yes! Of course!"
"Thank you."
Sakurazaki's mother took a deep breath and began speaking slowly.
"You may already know, but Nako used to be a child actress and now she has a career as an idol. As her parents, we have raised her strictly so that she wouldn't embarrass herself when she becomes the center of attention."
“Yes, Sakurazaki... uh, Nako-san is truly amazing. And that's all thanks to your great parenting. I'm truly envious.”
"No, that's not true."
"Eh?"
Sakurazaki's mother took a step closer to me, shortening the distance between us.
"For her, her parents always meant darkness. We, as her parents, only limited and confined her in every aspect."
That...
"But, thanks to you, Nako has changed. It must be because of your light, you have saved her."
Sakurazaki's mother handed me a letter. Inside, there was a folded brochure about a communication high school and a handwritten letter from Sakurazaki.
"This is a letter Nako gave me in early May. Its contents are that she wants to transfer to a communication high school... that's what she wrote."
"Sakurazaki... is that true?"
"Yes. And she also wants to quit being an idol."
"Sakurazaki..."
It's true, Sakurazaki was very different from when I first met her. At that time... was she in that state?
"But one day, she came home with a smile from school and asked me to ignore the letter. While hugging a plush toy."
"That seems... like the day we first met."
"...Perhaps that was the day you and Nako met, judging from her reaction."
...It seems that Sakurazaki was really happy on that day. I just took her to an arcade.
"Day by day, I feel more and more how your presence has saved Nako. And since hearing stories about you from Nako, I wanted to express my gratitude to you."
"N-no, actually... On the contrary! I'm sorry for taking your daughter to various places!"
"Please don't apologize. We, as powerless parents, couldn't do it."
"N-no! You're not powerless parents! Although I have no right to say this, but there's no doubt that you and her father are amazing parents who have raised Nako from an innocent and adorable child to who she is now. Don't say you're powerless!"
I spoke desperately, even though I didn't know what I was saying.
"Fufufu... You've always been so kind to Nako, as she said. I also told my husband about you. He wants to meet you soon."
"....Eh, did I do something?"
"Hehe. It's not a bad thing. So please let Nako know a suitable date for the meeting."
"Oh, okay."
The situation was getting more complicated.
"I apologize for calling you and bothering you. Now, goodnight."
"Yes! Excuse me!"
I started walking with panic, feeling flustered.
I felt as panicked as during the high school entrance exams.
Oh right, Sakurazaki's mother... She's really beautiful.
Translator: Janaka
Nice update..being waitinf
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